Seeking on MH Co marking

[Hrafknel]

My 1945 made Maltby No 4 Mark 1 Type, has stamped on the top of the pistol grip adjacent to the receiver ring "M H", 1st line, with "Co LTD" on the 2nd line. Any information regarding the company would be appreciated.

Hrafknel

Information

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[Simon P]

Could be H Morris & Co Ltd Glasgow, war time code N49

They made wooden furniture for the No4 Mk1

[Hrafknel]

Yes, but why was it stamp "HM Co Ltd" rather than "N49" ? Did they sale wood commercially after WW II ?

hrafknel

[Peter Laidler]

Very early in the war the manufacturers did use their own manufacturers stamps but in the interests of security, later they were all allocated code numbers. So that's what they used thereafter

No, none of the sub contracvtors were able to retail their wartime products after the war. There were a few exceptions. like BSA but even then, so as to not undermine the government factories, they had their wings drastically clipped

[Mk VII]

Some used their initials, some used the code numbers - and some used both!

[Peter Laidler]

Maybe on this note, Hrafknel might like to buy and read Ian Skennertons little book all about the subject

[harry mac]

Yes, but why was it stamp "HM Co Ltd" rather than "N49" ? Did they sale wood commercially after WW II ?

hrafknel

A little while ago I sold a new HM Co Ltd butt stock on e-bay. The guy who bought it was getting together a collection of HM products for a display at the HM Co factory in Glasgow. All their stock making jigs and machinery were returned to RO after the war and they went back to making furniture (for sitting on and eating off).

[Mk VII]

No doubt they decided to ignore their instructions, or just didn't read them properly.

Yes, but why was it stamp "HM Co Ltd" rather than "N49" ? Did they sale wood commercially after WW II ?

[Peter Laidler]

A lot of wartime manufacturers were asked to keep the machinery that they were supplied with. They were paid a small sum for 'storeage, care and maintenance' in order that if it were needed, then they could revert to wartime production. Climax Rock Drill who made Bren barrels and other parts retained and maintained their barrel making facilities and hoped that in the early 50's that they'd benefit from a big order during the post war troubles, especially during Korea but it didn't pan out that way. Prestcold were in the same boat at Theale too. The increased demand was met by existing stockpiles and the labour force at the ROF's. Naturally, the MoS wanted to keep their own factories going ahead of private industry of course. CRD kept the machinery and used it for their own production where they could, well until the 50's but after that, it was taken away and presumable disposed of. BSA retained their complete rifle and Sten making capacity for 10 years.

No doubt, all the specialised rifle stock making equipment used at Morriss's was returned to the MoS after the war as was a lot of that used by 'Tibbies' in Ipswich who made a vast amount of Bren and Sten Mk5 wood plus bayonet grips. They were specialist woodworkers so purchased vast amounts of imported wood, supplied under their wartime contracts and retained some of the specialised machinery. This was still in use when they closed.